Read Online Remember Ronald Ryan by Barry Dickins - Free Book Online Page B

alone in bed with the outline of a baby.
    DOROTHY : I thought you were going to be a good father, a good provider. I never know where you are. I never ask any questions. You keep saying that’s the way you like it, but it’s not good enough, Ron. I love you but you are a mystery to me. You’re strange, hopeless, a punter. What warehouse are you in tonight? You may as well sleep there. I thought I was all you wanted. I thought you were giving your horse an apple last month at the races. You joked that he bit you. But you were doping him. That’s why he didn’t want it. He didn’t want poison. That’s why he bit you. It’ll fester if you don’t get it seen to. I’ll fester if I’m not seen to. Where are you? Where are you? [ She rocks the baby doll in her arms. ] Don’t you care about me, about Girlie. I thought we were friends…
    RYAN alone in H Division cell. He remembers his last arrest.
    RYAN : I think of you now, Detective Jack Wright. You got my letter… three days out. I told you. I was in earnest. I nearly called in on you. You and Dolly. Would’ve been peaceful, helpful to see you again. Someone who knows me. I could always trust you. We had a code. An understanding. Do you agree? I wouldn’t have let you down. And you never would have betrayed me. Remember my last job? Talk about a bungle! Not a burglar, I’m a bungler [ He shouts .] I’m the greatest bungler who ever lived! The greatest fool ever!
    The final burglary job of Ryan is acted out as a dream. Russell Street Police Station. Night. DETECTIVE WRIGHT asleep at this desk. Gurgling of a river can be heard. Phone rings.
    WRIGHT : Wright here.
    The voice of MR X is heard over the phone.
    MR X : [ amplified Cockney voice ] I’m glad you’re right there, Wright, because I’ve got a lovely bit of news for you, right?
    WRIGHT : It’s ‘Mr X’. Is that you, Mr X?
    MR X : No, it’s Mr P. Who do you think it is? Shut up and listen. I want you to meet me at number one platform, South Yarra station. I’m in a hat.
    WRIGHT : [ writing a note ] I’ll write that down. What sort of hat?
    MR X : A very big hat.
    WRIGHT : Has this got to do with the National Grocery Store break-in?
    MR X : Put it this way. It has got to do with the National Grocery Store break-in.
    WRIGHT : What time?
    MR X : Oh, I think they broke in about eleven o’clock at night.
    WRIGHT : What time at platform one do you want to meet me?
    MR X : Meet me at platform one, South Yarra station. Hat.
    The telephone disconnects, trains rush by loudly as sound effects. A railway sign is lowered down into sordid platform light. Click of two sets of footsteps. Man in hat smoking, collar up, MR X . They meet.
    WRIGHT : Wright here. You’re not wrong about the hat.
    They shake hands.
    MR X : Mr X.
    WRIGHT : Well, you haven’t changed over the years. How’s Mrs X and all the little Xs? And your little puppy dog X? And cat X?
    MR X : Walk with me and shut your face. How’s your wife? Mrs Wright?
    WRIGHT : She’s alright. Can we get to the point?
    MR X : The National Grocery Store job last night was the work of Ronnie Ryan and three fellows. I’m fronting the beak next week and if you speak to the prosecutor I’ll tell you where Ryan is hiding out.
    WRIGHT : It’s cold. What did you say? Oh yeah, yeah, yeah. Where’s he staying?
    MR X : [ handing over a crumpled-up envelope ] Here’s an aerial view of Richmond.
    WRIGHT closely studies the flattened-out envelope, putting on his glasses to read it. They are nose-to-nose.
    WRIGHT : I recognise Swan Street. What’s that?
    MR X : Chapel Street.
    WRIGHT : Is he in Chapel Street, Ryan?
    MR X : Keep going up it to the river. The Yarra. The Yarra river.
    WRIGHT : Just tell me the address, will you?
    MR X whispers it into WRIGHT ’s ear. WRIGHT nods.
    I’ll speak to the prosecutor for you.
    The footsteps fade. Foggy Yarra